I got excited when May Lindstrom The Pendulum Potion got released for retail purchase as I have just started really getting into cleansing oils versus just cleansing gel balms. Cleansing oils are such a luxury & sensory experience. Cleansing oils for me are all about the scent and texture. A balm is cheaper and just as effective. A cleansing gel balm is also effective and almost as cheap as the balms. So why use a cleansing oil that is normally twice or more the cost of a balm? Because the scent and texture give you this ritualistic pleasure in the bathroom. Details per May Lindstrom:
The Pendulum Potion is a sensorial feast of antioxidant-rich goodness cushions and lovingly cleanses skin, effortlessly melting away makeup and environment debris, while softening and clearing congestion and dullness.
The Result Revel in a complexion that is nourished, restored and thoroughly fed.
The Ritual After shaking bottle, distribute 4-6 pumps into palms. Press into dry skin, then wet hands and gently massage. Follow by cocooning a warm steamy face towel over face and neck, gently sweeping upwards. Hold, rinse and repeat until skin is soft and cleansed.
This cleansing oil comes packaged in the sleek black glass that is customary for May Lindstrom. I love the pump as it dispenses well. The color of the oil is a rich deep yellow with a few scattered dark flecks. The oil has a medium weight texture & does not emulsify so you need to remove with a cloth and warm water. This will remove all of your makeup with ease. I found I don't need the recommended 4-6 pumps for my face and neck. I use about 2-3 which is totally enough to massage all over my face and neck without tugging the skin. It rinses off with a cloth leaving my skin baby soft and clean. No stripping or drying obviously. You can follow with a second cleanse or leave your face alone, your preference. I prefer a gentle second cleanse with a mild jelly or milky style cleanser.
This oil smells like a smokey spicy campfire. It's quite unique I've never come across another oil that smells this way. It took me a while to get used to but I love it now. It's perfect for night skincare rituals. I was skeptical about spending $80 on a cleansing oil but it is lasting forever and the results are fantastic. Not to mention the amazing scent perfect to start a calming night. This has become one of my favorite cleansing oils. It's hard for me to say you need this, but if you love an indulgence and performing a skincare ritual--this is for you.
I love that May Lindstrom has included a FAQ on the product because it does have a few things that are unique and interesting about it (go to the site to read the whole FAQ, I only posted the few I found most interesting).
First question is about the unique scent-
The primary scent in The Pendulum Potion come from the Balsam of Peru oil, lending a slightly sweet, woody, and spicy note that is reminiscent of the raw honey and cedar notes in The Honey Mud. It has a smoky, green (a few clients have mentioned marijuana-esque!), campfire essence to it that pairs beautifully with our raw cacao, macadamia, sweet orange, ylang-ylang, and frankincense. The aromas of spice, earth, trees, and fire in this unique formula ground me like no other! It is no doubt distinctive, and in combination with a super steamy, soft cloth, the ritual is beyond addictive in both practice and results.
There are these little dark spots in the oil (which is why you need to shake this well before use)-
The little dark flecks and droplets sometimes visible in this unique formula are from our raw cacao oleoresin, contributing both the warm, chocolatey tone of this treasure, along with its potent dose of anti-oxidants. We love our cacao in its purest, most natural state for the ultimate benefit. Give your bottle a shake before dispensing to distribute this goodness, and then massage into your skin. The particles will dissolve beautifully, sinking deeply into your epidermis and delivering free-radical protection.
Lats interesting question was if you can you leave this on as a facial oil-
You may absolutely indulge in this beauty as a last step, allowing the beneficial ingredients to drink right into your wet face, neck and décolleté (and every other inch from head to toe) immediately after cleansing for beautifully balancing and nourishing hydration. This said, we would encourage the prioritization of The Blue Cocoon and The Youth Dew in your ritual for leave-on care as these were specifically formulated to meet the specific needs of delicate facial skin.
Ingredients
*Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, *Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, *Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut) Oil, *Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Prunus Spp (Plum Kernel) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Absolute) Oil, *Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil, **Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil, Jasmine (Jasmine) Grandiflorum Absolute, *Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Oil, *Citrus Limon (Lemon) Essential Oil, **Myroxylon Pereirae (Peru Balsam) Oil, **Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Oil, +Limonene, +Benzyl Benzoate, +Linalool, +Benzyl Cinnamate. * Certified Organic **Wild Harvested +Component of Essential Oil
I love the handwritten note that comes with the packages from the May Lindstrom site. Such a personal touch.